Comfort and Joy and Monday's Prayer

This will be my son's first Christmas

as a single, divorced father.

Last year he managed to get a live tree

and some Christmas ornaments

and put together a Christmas.

(He was separated last year).

This year his girlfriend cajoled him into buying a fake tree,

so they could put it up sooner and leave it up longer.

They chose this lovely tree

and he was thrilled at the ease of setting it up.

He set up his single, divorced mom's (me) for several years,

also his elderly grandparents',

and then his own.

None were as easy as this one.

 

He has added some ornaments of his

that didn't fit with his wife's tree (primitive only)

and added ones that are personal and meaningful.

Although she has her own apartment

complete with two cats,

girlfriend Dani's stocking was hung with theirs this year.

In order: Smooch the lab, Doug, Dani,

then Peyton, Dillon, and Addy

(from oldest to youngest).

He is carrying on the tradition of each child

having a tree in his/her bedroom,

which thrilled me.

Addy's tree.

.

Dillon's.

Peyton's.

I was at his house to pick up the oldest, Peyton,

for our annual mother/granddaughter shopping day.

She was staying the night and then we were shopping the next day.

The youngest, Addy, had already checked out for the night.

I am comforted in knowing

that my son is now able to rebuild his life

and begin his own traditions with his children.

They had a say in the decorating of their rooms

and in choosing ornaments and decorating the tree.

It does not matter that not one of the rooms

or the tree

would be featured in a country-style decorating magazine.

Nothing has to be perfect.

Flaws are accepted here.

It's such a comfort knowing that the Doug

I helped raise was in the other Doug these past ten years;

he just needed to figure out how to let himself back out

(just as his mama did over 17 years ago).

On a slightly different note:

I was driving home last night and listening to a radio station.

A DJ was talking about Hurricane Sandy's victims.

She pointed out that many still don 't have homes

to spend Christmas in.

Humbling to one who chafes at 600 sq. feet for two people

(with a full basement underneath).

May our hearts and hands be open to all

throughout this land who are without much.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort.

He comforts us every time we have trouble,

so when others have trouble,

we can comfort them

with the same comfort God gives us."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NCV

"But he's already made it plain how to live,

what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.

It's quite simple:

Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

and don't take yourself too seriously---

take God seriously."

Micah 6:8 MSG

(I love that next to last line!!!)

"We all go through pain and sorrow,

but the presence of God,

like a warm, comforting blanket,

can shield us and protect us,

and allow the deep inner joy to surface,

even in the most devastating circumstances."

Barbara Johnson

(I think many of Sandy's victims have exhibited this.)

Today's Prayer of Grace

Today, Lord, let me count my blessings

 with thanksgiving in my heart.

You have cared for me, Lord,

and I will give You the glory and the praise.

Let me accept Your blessings and Your gifts,

and let me share them with others,

just as You first shared them with me.

Amen. 

100 Days of Grace for Women

Blessings to you all as you as you make your way

through this new week!